Greece is grappling with an unprecedented heatwave that is wreaking havoc on its tourism and agriculture, as the relentless effects of climate change intensify. This week, tourists from around the globe found themselves locked out of the iconic Acropolis in Athens, a stark reminder of the extreme conditions gripping the region. As temperatures soared, officials closed the site from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM for safety reasons, prompting frustrated visitors to demand access at their own risk. “They should let people in regardless,” one tourist lamented, highlighting the clash between the ancient experience and modern realities.

While tourism remains resilient for now, the agricultural sector is feeling the crunch. Just an hour south of Athens, farmers are struggling with dwindling water supplies. The water table has plummeted, forcing farmers to pump water from depths of 240 meters—100 meters deeper than in previous decades. As temperatures rise to a staggering 40°C, outdoor labor becomes perilous, slashing productivity by half and inflating costs. The dire consequences are evident: two-thirds of farmland in the region has been abandoned, and local farmers are left to salvage what they can.

According to a grim forecast from the Bank of Greece, by century’s end, nearly 40% of the country could become unsuitable for agriculture, with heatwaves increasing by an alarming 50 days per year. The stakes have never been higher, as climate change threatens not only the livelihood of farmers but the cultural heritage of a nation reliant on its agricultural roots. With projections indicating a potential rise of up to 5°C this century, Greece stands at a critical juncture. The time for action is now, as the nation faces the dual challenges of preserving its historical treasures and securing its agricultural future.